With Threaded Joint Patents (Class 403/77)
  • Patent number: 11919611
    Abstract: An assembly includes an object with a vertical height of at least 30 metres placed on a bearing frame and a motion compensation platform including a base attached to a vessel. The platform includes an x-y actuator system for rotating the bearing frame with respect to the base about an x-axis and a y-axis, a sensor system configured to detect an x-axis rotating movement, and a y-axis rotating movement, and to generate a corresponding sensor signal, as well as an x-y control system configured to adjust the position of the bearing frame with respect to the base, depending on the sensor signal. The bearing frame is supported at a vertical distance above the base by means of a three-point support having a hinged, fixed first support and hinged second and third supports which are telescopic in the longitudinal direction of the z-axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: Barge Master IP B.V.
    Inventors: Pieter Martijn Koppert, Berend Jan Hoogendijk
  • Patent number: 11815112
    Abstract: An anchor pin that is precisely structured and machined to fit within a internal bore of a spindle rod of a motorcycle steering spindle assembly is presented herein. The anchor pin is configured and intended to provide additional structural integrity to and reinforce the spindle rod in the event of damage thereto or failure thereof. Accordingly, the anchor pin includes an elongated cylindrical shaft with a flared head disposed at one end thereof. The elongated cylindrical shaft includes at least one recessed ring disposed along a length thereof, and at least one resilient o-ring seated therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Daniel J. McAllister
  • Patent number: 11781588
    Abstract: A device for providing a lockable modular connection between two parts, the device includes a first element for connecting to one of the parts and a second element for connecting to the other part. The first element includes a rod secured to a ball joint. The second element includes a housing containing the ball joint. The device has an inner space between an inner face of the housing and a peripheral face of the ball joint, and a locking element arranged between the housing and the ball joint. Motifs are arranged on the peripheral face of the ball joint and/or on the inner face of the housing. The locking element consists of a hardened material that fills the entire inner space and with regard to which the motifs form abutments in order to hold the ball joint in a fixed position in the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: ARIANEGROUP SAS
    Inventors: Florian Leborgne, Eric Oguey
  • Patent number: 11760145
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a stud and a two-piece cup. The stud has a shank that is connectable to a first vehicle suspension component, and a ball end. The cup is (indirectly) connectable to a second vehicle suspension component, and that holds the ball within. A locking plate prevents the two pieces of the cup from unthreading, and allows the joint to be adjusted as the friction surfaces wear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 19, 2023
    Assignee: Super ATV, LLC
    Inventor: Aaron Kirklin
  • Patent number: 11584434
    Abstract: A tie rod reinforcement device for reinforcing a vehicle steering tie rod assembly includes a metal brace assembly that reinforces a threaded section of the vehicle steering tie rod assembly. The brace assembly includes an outer surface and an inner cavity having an inner surface. Portions of the inner and outer tie rods are disposed in the inner cavity when the brace assembly is installed on a vehicle. The inner surface of the brace assembly includes a first portion having a first diameter and a second portion having a second diameter different from the first diameter. The first diameter and second diameter are about equal to an outer diameter of the inner tie rod and outer tie rod, respectively, so that the inner surface is in direct contact with the inner tie rod and outer tie rod when the apparatus is installed on the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: BRONCBUSTER LLC
    Inventor: Tyler Mason
  • Patent number: 11517723
    Abstract: A guidewire having a first end and a second end, and comprising two or more guidewire modules. Each guidewire module has a first end and a second end. Each guidewire module is configured to be attachable to a second guidewire module by at least one of: attaching the first end of the guidewire module with the second end of the second guidewire module, and attaching the second end of the guidewire module with the first end of the second guidewire module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Spinal Generations, LLC
    Inventor: Patrick J. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 11359665
    Abstract: In the present invention, a housing includes a first opening in a first edge region facing a pin of a ball stud, the ball stud protrudes from the first opening, a gap is provided between an inner wall of a cavity and an outer wall of a bearing shell, a lining is injected into the gap, and the housing further includes a second opening in a second edge region opposite from the first opening for injecting the lining through the cavity, and one or more structural elements for clamping the lining to the inner wall of the second opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Musashi Seimitsu Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yasuhiro Kondoh, Ryoji Motomura, Frank Zill
  • Patent number: 11052229
    Abstract: A guidewire system for spine surgeries includes a first guidewire portion having an elongate first guidewire body with a distal end and a proximal end. A threaded male fastener at the distal end of the first guidewire body is configured to fasten to a vertebra of a spine of a subject and a threaded female coupler at the proximal end of the first guidewire body defines a threaded opening. The guidewire system includes a second guidewire portion having an elongate second guidewire body with a distal end and a proximal end. A threaded male coupler at the distal end of the second guidewire body is configured to thread into the threaded female coupler of the first guidewire portion to fasten the second guidewire portion to the first guidewire portion to form an elongate guidewire.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2021
    Assignee: CoreLink, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Althoff, Nick Scodary
  • Patent number: 10794063
    Abstract: A tension rod anchor includes a collar that defines a ball race and a ball jack that includes a ball head that forms a swivel joint with the ball race. The ball jack also includes a threaded shaft that engages with a threaded socket of a hosel, which also includes a rod channel that receives a railing rod. A set screw engages with a threaded hole through a side of the hosel into the rod channel. The set screw engages with an anchor hole in the rod, without bearing against the threaded shaft, while the hosel is screwed onto the threaded shaft to tension the rod. Once the desired tension has been obtained, the set screw is screwed down further and tightened to secure the rod with the rod under tension. The swivel joints allow rod railings to be easily installed at angles and inclines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 6, 2020
    Assignee: Clearview Handrails Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R Martin
  • Patent number: 10731700
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly for a vehicle suspension includes a control arm configured to connect to or engage a frame of a vehicle, a ball, a taper connected to the ball, the taper configured to connect to or engage a steering knuckle that connects to a wheel of the vehicle, and/or a housing comprising an adapter system configured to connect to the control arm. The ball at least partially in the housing with grease at least partially between the ball and the housing. The housing, the ball, and the taper are configured for the housing and the ball to articulate relative to each other to provide a predetermined angularity of movement in all 360 degrees of orientation with a predetermined minimum pullout force in all 360 degrees of orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: ICON VEHICLE DYNAMICS LLC
    Inventor: Kristopher Joseph Hernandez
  • Patent number: 10458463
    Abstract: A rotary joint includes a socket rod having a socket rod flange with an at least partly spheroid concave bearing surface at a first end, a housing nut encircling the socket rod and having a threaded wrenching head, and a ball rod having an at least partly spheroid convex bearing surface and threaded side walls around the bearing surface. The diameter of the threaded side walls of the ball rod corresponds to a diameter of the threaded wrenching head of the housing nut.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Hermann Benthien, Andreas Poppe
  • Patent number: 10378198
    Abstract: A rotary joint includes a socket rod having a socket rod flange with a basically spheroid concave bearing surface at a first end, a housing nut encircling the socket rod and having a threaded wrenching head, and a ball rod having a basically spheroid convex bearing surface and threaded side walls around the bearing surface. A diameter of the threaded side walls of the ball rod corresponds to a diameter of the threaded wrenching head of the housing nut. First guiding tracks are on the concave bearing surface oriented into a first swivelling direction, the socket rod being swivable to the ball rod along the first guiding tracks into the first swivelling direction. Second guiding tracks are on the convex bearing surface and oriented into a second swivelling direction, the socket rod being swivellable to the ball rod along the second guiding tracks into the second swivelling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Assignee: Airbus Operations GmbH
    Inventors: Herman Benthien, Andreas Poppe
  • Patent number: 9991581
    Abstract: An improved antenna ball joint mount is provided that includes a hollow socket mechanically coupled to a spherical member with a locking part. The hollow socket and the spherical member are fully detachable to simplify the installation of an antenna. A user is able to set a position of the antenna to any point on a spherical sector surface within a range of motion allowed by a shape of joint components and rotate the antenna around own axis to adjust a polarization plane and then lock the mount in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: RF Elements s.r.o.
    Inventors: Juraj Taptic, Martin Marcincak
  • Patent number: 9470013
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable railing having first and second elongate balusters each with a first and second ends, the balusters having a first connection elements at their first ends and second connection elements along their length. An elongate handrail is pivotally connected at its first end to the first connection element of the first baluster and pivotally connected at its second end to the first connection element of the second baluster. An elongate lower rail having a first end and a second end is pivotally connected at its first end to the second connection element of the first baluster and pivotally connected at its second end to the second connection element of the second baluster. A distance between the first end and the second connection element of the first baluster is greater than the distance between the first end and the second connection element of the second baluster.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: COLLINS LIMITED, LLC
    Inventor: John M. Munyon
  • Patent number: 9301658
    Abstract: Embodiments include, in combination with a ball joint relievable hanger having an moveable rod in which movement is facilitated by a ball portion within a complementary cavity, the ball portion having a bore containing a spring which bears on a locking member and urges the locking member into a detent in the complementary cavity, thereby retaining the rod in position unless a release weight is placed on the hanger, resulting in the downward movement of the rod, the improvement comprising, the extension of the bore in the ball portion to the end of the rod, a threaded screw which interacts with threads on the bore extension to allow distal-proximate movement of the screw, and seat means for conveying distal-proximate movement of the screw to the spring. Embodiments include means for adjusting the release weight of the relievable hanger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Acorn Engineering Company
    Inventor: Darryl Boeltl
  • Patent number: 9064609
    Abstract: A mechanical connection between adjacent components of a system may include a first component of the system, a second component of the system, and a multiple degree-of-freedom connection between the first and second components. The multiple degree-of-freedom connection may have at least four degrees of freedom. A method for establishing a mechanical connection between adjacent components of a system may include disposing a first component of the system adjacent to a second component of the system, and connecting the first component to the second component using a multiple degree-of-freedom connection. The multiple degree-of-freedom connection may have at least four degrees of freedom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2015
    Assignee: GE-HITACHI NUCLEAR ENERGY AMERICAS LLC
    Inventor: Lee J. Andre
  • Publication number: 20140270907
    Abstract: A connecting element for connecting two components includes a socket part provided for connecting to a first component, into which socket part is inserted a spherical element. From the spherical element, a function element projects which is provided for connecting to a second component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Johann van NIEKERK
  • Patent number: 8757648
    Abstract: A control arm assembly for an automotive wheel suspension, having: an elongate control arm having a transverse mounting socket with an internally threaded surface; and a ball joint having: a steel housing with an externally threaded surface and; a ball stud with a partially spherical ball head upwardly restrained within the housing and a shank extending upwardly through an upward opening in the housing; and a bearing having a partially spherical inner surface engaging the ball head and having an outer surface engaging the inner chamber; wherein the housing has a laterally extending collar with a lower contact surface that engages the upper mounting surface of the control arm when the threaded surfaces are fully torqued together; and wherein the upper portion of the outboard wall having a thickness greater than or equal to a thickness of a lower portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Mevotech LP
    Inventor: Simon Winter
  • Publication number: 20140020799
    Abstract: Disclosed are the design and utilitarian characteristics of a support device for supporting a cover wherein such cover is typically used to cover a vehicle such as a boat or automobile. The invention includes a dome shaped support device with a depending base configured for extending through a cover. The depending base defines an interface for being associated with a support structure such as a pole and such interface may be a swivel interface. Additionally, the support device may define a suspension interface so that a tether may be used to apply a support force from above the support device. The support device may also define a swivel device configured for being associated with a support surface such as a floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventor: William E. Gridley
  • Patent number: 8251604
    Abstract: A device (1) for securing to the rim (11) of a spoked wheel a stud (2) connected to a spoke, includes:—a screw (3) adapted to be inserted in a through hole, made in the rim (11), which has a seat (4) adapted to receive the head (5) of the screw (3);—a body (6), adapted to be secured to the rim (11) the screw (3), which has at last a threaded hole (7) adapted to receive the threaded shank of the screw (3) and a seat (8) adapted to receive a rounded head (9) of the stud (2), which is connected in an articulated manner to the body (6);—a sealing ring (10) inserted between the rim (11) and the body (6). The head (5) of the screw (3) and the corresponding seat (4) present in the rim (11) preferably have a countersunk shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Ruotemilano S.r.l.
    Inventor: Adriano Rolle
  • Patent number: 8186901
    Abstract: An inline strut retention assembly includes a glass sheet having first and second surfaces and a single hole formed through the first and second surfaces. An isolator is positioned proximate the first surface of the glass sheet. The isolator includes a keyed slot formed therein. A ball stud member includes a threaded shaft extending in one direction and a post extending in an opposing direction. The threaded shaft extends through the keyed slot formed in the isolator. An attachment button is positioned proximate the second surface of the glass sheet. The attachment button includes a ferrule portion having an inner surface receiving the threaded shaft of the ball stud member and an outer surface shaped to mate with the keyed slot of the isolator preventing rotation of the attachment button relative to the isolator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Dura Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventors: Del W. Scheer, Kelly J. Harris, Mary M. Inman
  • Patent number: 8038162
    Abstract: A joint unit such as for mounting the vehicle control arm of a motor vehicle, is provided with a control arm-side housing (1), in which a pivot pin (2) is mounted pivotably by means of a spheroidal bearing surface (3), wherein the joint unit has a securing unit against the separation of the housing (1) from the pivot pin (2). The securing unit includes a securing bolt (9), arranged within the pivot pin (2) essentially in parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the pivot pin (2) and with a blocking element (12) at a free end. A securing mount (13) is located within the housing (1) or the pivot pin (2) and in this the blocking element (12) is mounted in a contactless manner in the mounted state of the joint unit. The securing mount (13) is part of the securing unit, and the securing bolt (9) is fixed to the component of the joint unit (housing (1) or pivot pin (2)) that is not provided with the securing mount (13).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Sören Knopp, Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
  • Patent number: 7927035
    Abstract: Ball joints, systems in which they are used, and suspension systems in which the ball joint systems are employed. The ball joints, systems and suspension mechanisms are especially useful for racing vehicles in which premium performance is desired. As an additional feature, the products of this invention are especially appreciated because of the ability to quickly and easily replace or change them.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Howe Racing Enterprises
    Inventor: Kelly Molenaar
  • Patent number: 7841798
    Abstract: A device for a ball-and-socket-type connection of two members includes a first member having a head and a second member having a cavity that receives the head. The cross-sectional surface of the cavity is tapered at the lower end of the second member as a result of a constriction. The head and/or cavity is configured spherically with a center of articulation (Z). The ball-and-socket-type connection between the two members can be detachably fixed by means of a clamping element that can be connected to the second member. The head has a recess in which the front end of the clamping element can rest. The recess and/or the front end has an at least partially spherical surface with a center (C). In the clamped position of the device, the center of articulation (Z) and the center (C) are identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Synthes USA, LLC
    Inventors: Fridolin Schlapfer, Renzo Defranceschi
  • Patent number: 7837407
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly for a vehicular steering or suspension application includes a cap-like housing in which is captured the articulating ball portion of a stud. A shank extends from the ball portion, outwardly from the housing cap, to provide a connection and anchoring interface for the suspension member or other anchoring component. The connection interface with the anchoring suspension member is characterized by a specially designed surface which is convenient to machine, provides increased surface-to-surface contact area, and provides additional advantages such as improved stress distribution and NVH benefits. A washer-like cone adaptor mates with a specially formed adaptor interface region on the stud. On its outer surface, the adaptor has a broad tapering feature designed to seat in a complementary-shaped receiving flare in the anchoring suspension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Sellers, Norman F. Curtis, Yanjun Xue, George R. Schmidt, Scott Warhover, Thomas J. Byrnes
  • Patent number: 7771136
    Abstract: A ball and socket joint is provided, for example, for an axle system of a motor vehicle. The joint has an essentially ring-shaped or pot-shaped joint housing (2). The ball (7) of a ball pivot (1) is received in the interior space of the joint housing (2) in a slidingly movable manner. The joint housing (2) includes a ball pivot-side and a housing cover-side housing half (4, 5). The two housing halves (4, 5) have an essentially circumferential axial stop (9). Based on the axial stop (9), the housing halves (4, 5) can be brought into contact with one another in the axial direction in an exactly defined manner. The reproducibility of tolerances in manufacture can be carefully controlled allowing manufacture at a low cost. The specific load-bearing capacity of the ball and socket joint can be increased or the dimensions of the ball and socket joint can be reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: ZF Friedrichshafen AG
    Inventors: Manfred Buhl, Ralf Kunze
  • Patent number: 7637686
    Abstract: An exemplary, non-limiting swivel fitting attachment apparatus includes a ball fitting and a swivel fitting. The ball fitting includes a base having an attachment portion, such as a flange, arranged for attachment to a structure and a ball attachable to the base. The ball may be removably attachable or fixedly attached to the base. The swivel fitting has a first end having a socket portion that is arranged to receive the ball therein and a second end having an attachment portion that is arranged for attachment to an object. The socket portion of the swivel fitting may be expandable and closeable over the ball, and may include first and second socket portion members that are urgeable toward and away from each other. The second end of the swivel fitting may be couplable to a clevis fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: The Boeing Company
    Inventors: Jeffrey H. Wood, Lamvien H. Ngo
  • Publication number: 20090263181
    Abstract: A joint assembly for coupling first and second rotating parts, including a first joint member for mounting to the first rotating part, a second joint member including a centering flange having a first length disposed about an axis for mounting to the second rotating part, and at least one torque-transmitting element disposed between the first and second joint members for operatively coupling the first and second joint members. The centering flange has a contact section configured for being in a substantially interference fit with the second rotating part when mounting the centering flange to the second rotating part. The contact section has a second length substantially smaller than the first length of the centering flange such that the substantially interference fit between the centering flange and the second rotating part provides alignment between the centering flange and the second rotating part while minimizing forces necessary to mount the centering flange to the second rotating part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: DELPHI TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Keith A. Kozlowski, Sergio Molinar
  • Patent number: 7591446
    Abstract: A bracket comprises a support base configured to be attached to a frame or other structural member of an aircraft; a component base configured to be attached to an ECS duct or other component to be supported on the structural member; and intermediate structure for joining the support base to the component base. The intermediate structure permits relative motion between the component base and the frame base in nearly all directions so that the component may be positioned in nearly any desired orientation relative to the structural member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignee: Spirit Aerosystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Istas, Allen D. Gerdes, Eric Victor Paubel
  • Publication number: 20090136289
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ball joint assembly (10) including a housing (12) and a ball stud (72) disposed in the housing. The ball stud (72) has a head end portion (70) and a shank portion (74). A radial load bearing assembly (80) engages the shank portion (74) to support the ball stud (72) for movement relative to the housing (12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: James R. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20090074504
    Abstract: A ball joint device having a ball joint (4), a ball joint seat (2) and a casing (1). The casing (1) has a first casing housing (10) to house the seat (2), said first casing housing (10) being configured to prevent relative movement between the casing (1) and the seat (2). The casing (1) also has a first casing end (11); a second casing end (12) opposite to the first casing end (11) having first joining elements (120) between the casing (1) and the seat (2); an intermediate portion (13) in the first casing housing (10) between the first casing end (11) and the second casing end (12), said intermediate portion (13) having second joining elements (130) between the casing (1) and the seat (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: INDUSTRIA AUXILLIAR ALAVESA, S.A. (INAUXA, S.A.)
    Inventor: Agustin Morales Arnaez
  • Patent number: 7393152
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly (28) for a vehicular steering or suspension application includes a cap-like housing (42) in which is captured the articulating ball portion (32) of a stud (30). A shank (34) extends from the ball portion (32), outwardly from the housing cap (42), to provide a connection and anchoring interface for the suspension member (16) or other anchoring component. The connection interface with the anchoring suspension member (16) is characterized by a specially designed surface which is convenient to machine, provides increased surface-to-surface contact area, and provides additional advantages such as improved stress distribution and NVH benefits. A washer-like cone adaptor (54) mates with a specially formed adaptor interface region (48) on the stud (30). On its outer surface, the adaptor (54) has a broad tapering feature (56) designed to seat in a complementary-shaped receiving flare (58) in the anchoring suspension member (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Federal Mogul World Wide, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger G. Sellers, Norman F. Curtis, Yanjun Xue, George R. Schmidt, Scott Warhover, Thomas J. Byrnes
  • Patent number: 7320555
    Abstract: A cardan shaft structure with tightness adjustable functions has a through-hole passing through spheres located at both ends of the cardan shaft body, and a taper socket respectively installed into the opening end of each sphere. A bolt is inserted into both spheres and the body, fixed and locked together in conjunction with a nut. The cardan shaft structure works together with two clamping components wrapping around the spheres. When the sphere is being pushed against (or freed from) the inner wall of the clamping component by tightening (or loosing) the bolt so as to make the sphere either expand (or recover), the angle displacement of the clamping component becomes adjustable accordingly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2008
    Assignee: Sercomm Corporation
    Inventors: Cheng-Chung Chang, Yi-Fei Yu
  • Patent number: 7182544
    Abstract: A turnbuckle assembly (20) includes a first one-piece sleeve (30) having first and second axial ends (32, 34). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) has an internally threaded portion (35) which threadably engages a first threaded part (120). The first axial end (32) of the first sleeve (30) includes an integrally formed clamp (38) which clamps the first axial end (32) to the first threaded part (120). A second one-piece sleeve (60) has first and second axial ends (62, 64). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) has an internally threaded portion (65) which threadably engages a second threaded part (122). The first axial end (62) of the second sleeve (60) includes an integrally formed clamp (68) which clamps the first axial end (62) to the second threaded part (122). A connector member (90) interconnects the first and second sleeves(30, 60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2007
    Assignee: TRW Automotive U.S. LLC
    Inventor: Ryan Irrer
  • Patent number: 7155869
    Abstract: The invention relates to a fixing element for maintaining a composite glass pane. Glass components are assembled and a fixing element is provided for fixing by force or positive engagement to a support structure. The safety elements form a receiving plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2007
    Assignee: Saint-Gobain Glass France
    Inventors: Klaus Wildenhain, Ralf Linden
  • Patent number: 7121755
    Abstract: A device for a ball-and-socket-type connection of two members includes a first member having a head and a second member having a cavity that receives the head. The cross-sectional surface of the cavity is tapered at the lower end of the second member as a result of a constriction. The head and/or cavity is configured spherically with a center of articulation (Z). The ball-and-socket-type connection between the two members can be detachably fixed by a clamping element that can be connected to the second member. The head has a recess in which the front end of the clamping element can rest. The recess and/or the front end has an at least partially spherical surface with a centre (C). In the clamped position of the device, the center of articulation (Z) and the centre (C) are identical.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2006
    Assignee: Synthes (U.S.A.)
    Inventors: Fridolin Schlapfer, Renzo Defranceschi
  • Patent number: 7097381
    Abstract: A joint for the movable connection of two components of a motor vehicle, which are movable in relation to one another, with a housing (1) and with a bearing shell (2) accommodated in the housing (1) for the slidingly movable mounting of a mount body (3) is presented, wherein the mount body (3) has a bearing surface (4) curved complementarily to the bearing shell inner surface and passes over at least on one side into a pin neck (5), which has a connection area (6) for connection to a bearing journal (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: ZF Lemförder Metallwaren AG
    Inventor: Manfred Sieve
  • Patent number: 6921226
    Abstract: An adjustable support apparatus for, e.g., supporting an instrument. The adjustable support apparatus may include a supporting member, an adjustable member engaging with the supporting member, a fastening member engaged with the adjustable member and an elongated member engaged with the adjustable member and adapted to interact with an instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 26, 2005
    Assignee: Biomec, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth P. Rundle, Daniel N. Kelsch
  • Patent number: 6322275
    Abstract: A device for mounting a distance sensor, in particular a proximity radar device, on a motor vehicle, the distance sensor being accommodated in a closed housing, the housing being moveably attached to a support and the support being attachable in an immoveable manner to the motor vehicle. The device is characterized in that the housing is attachable to the support by at least three screws arranged in an L-shape relative to each other, that the screws, in the installed state of the distance sensor, are able to be screwed from its front side, and that a screw-out protection is provided for at least two of the screws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Ewald Schmidt, Juergen Zeiher, Bernhard Lucas, Dirk Langenhan
  • Patent number: 6227750
    Abstract: An adjustable tilting bracket for concrete finishing tools include a base plate, with an elongated slot in the bottom thereof, the slot being arranged to straddle a reinforcing rib on the tool. A yoke is pivotally mounted on the base plate and includes a cylindrical passageway in which a handle receiving member is located. A guide slot is formed in an upper arcuate portion of the yoke and cooperates with a stop member protruding from the handle receiving member to allow the handle receiving member to traverse an angle of about 180°, say from 3 o'clock to 9 o'clock, within the yoke. An actuating rod is pivotally mounted between the base plate and a caming ring secured to the forward end of the handle receiving member so that the base plate and a leveling/finishing tool secured thereto will pivot about an axis parallel to the tool's receiving slot.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Superior Featherweight Tools Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Leonard C. Maggio, Richard A. Maggio
  • Patent number: 5947625
    Abstract: A pivot system is disclosed for pivotally connecting a movable component to a fixed component, the pivot system having a swivel device mounted on one of the movable and fixed components, a headed shaft passing through a portion of the other of the movable and fixed components and engaging the swivel device, the headed shaft having a longitudinal axis forming the pivot axis between the components, an anti-rotation device engaging the shaft so as to prevent relative rotation between the shaft and the component to which it is mounted, and an anti-axial movement device engaging the shaft as to prevent relative movement between the shaft and the component to which it is mounted along the longitudinal axis of the shaft. This structure enables the shaft to be installed having access to only one end of the pivot shaft, improving over the known systems in which it is necessary to have access to both ends of the pivot shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Societe Hispano-Suiza
    Inventor: Guy Bernard Vauchel
  • Patent number: 5913945
    Abstract: A robotic device for operating a control pedal of a vehicle having a body and a pedal actuator mounted on the body. A telescoping connecting rod is coupled to the pedal actuator through a bell crank assembly, and further coupled to the control pedal for reciprocating motion thereto. The robotic device causes the pedal to be depressed and released when the pedal actuator reciprocates the telescoping connecting rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1999
    Assignee: DaimlerChrysler Corporation
    Inventors: Mark A. Froelich, Ronald L. Richmond, Jeffrey P. Zyburt
  • Patent number: 5899497
    Abstract: A tilt-adjustable steering column assembly, comprising in combination an upper housing pivotally attached to a lower housing along a generally horizontal axis transverse to the upper and lower housings, the pivotal attachment accomplished by a pair of pins, each having a threaded intermediate shaft received in a threaded opening extending through opposite sides of the lower housing, and further having generally hemispherical pins, each received in a complementary-shaped recess formed on opposite sides of the upper housing to form a hemispherical bearing surface and preloading the upper housing in compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Douglas Autotech Corp.
    Inventors: Joseph C. Spencer, Corbin G. Glidden
  • Patent number: 5888013
    Abstract: A die coater for applying a material to a web is provided including a die for applying the material to the web in an application region; and a plurality of interconnected rolls selectably positionable in the application region to serve as a backup roll for the web for the application of the material. In addition, or in the alternative, the die coater includes a plurality of interconnected dies selectably positionable in the application region for applying the material to the web; and a backup roll for the web in the application region, wherein a selected one of said interconnected dies selectably positioned in said application region is adjustable to adjust an angle at which said material is applied to said web through said selected die.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventor: Yefim Slobodkin
  • Patent number: 5653546
    Abstract: A connector assembly connects two rails to a T-post. The connector assembly includes a first and second connector configured to receive the rails, and a mounting member attached to the T-post for pivotally mounting the first and second connectors to the T-post about a plurality of axes. The connector assembly includes a locking mechanism for interlocking the first and second connector with the mounting member. The connector assembly also includes a lock for securing the mounting member to the T-post.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 5, 1997
    Assignee: The Fence Connection, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Carol M. Cronkhite, Jeff A. Trupe
  • Patent number: 5492428
    Abstract: A ball joint assembly includes a ball stud and bearing sub-assembly that is economical to manufacture, strong, durable and long-lasting. The bearing is molded directly on the ball surface of the ball, thereby eliminating the need for precise tolerances in machining the ball. Microcavities formed on the ball surface facilitate the introduction of lubricant between the ball and the bearing. A two-piece stud and collar nut adds ease of manufacture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: MacLean-Fogg Company
    Inventors: Keith Hellon, Jiri Pazdirek
  • Patent number: 5492427
    Abstract: A ball joint and a work process for preparing such a ball joint are described, in which the housing is prepared in one piece by a sheet metal shaping process. An edge bead, which is used to close the housing by a cover, is prepared by material deformation on the outer circumference of the housing. A groove for receiving the sealing bellows, which groove is likewise located on the outer circumference of the housing, is formed during the shaping process, so that machining of the housing is not necessary.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1996
    Assignee: Lemforder Metallwaren AG
    Inventors: Metin Ersoy, Dirk Mahlmann, Klemens Meyer, Paul Westphal, Uwe Zeibig
  • Patent number: 5409320
    Abstract: A ball socket body (16) of a ball-and-socket joint has an exterior surface (18) and a ball-receiving channel (20). The receiving channel (20) has a channel axis (P--P), an insertion opening (22), an interior circumferential surface (24), an interior end support (26) and ball-securing elements (32). The ball socket body (16) may be made of one piece with the securing cam (32) and may also have a passage (30) opening through the back exterior surface thereof to make a ball head (10) located in the ball socket body (16) accessible to a tool. The ball head (10) is provided with a tool engagement point (10b) for reception of the tool. By use of the tool, the ball head (10) may readily be fastened to a support structure even though the ball head (10) has already been assembled with the ball socket body (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Stabilus GmbH
    Inventors: Horst Maury, Dieter Henke
  • Patent number: 5286133
    Abstract: A joint for a vehicle steering linkage comprises a housing and a ball stud. The housing has a socket which contains the ball end of the ball stud, and has a sleeve which receives the end of a tie rod. The sleeve has an external, first clamping surface which is inclined with respect to the axis of the sleeve. The joint further comprises a clamp which clamps the tie rod in the sleeve. The clamp includes a clamping member and a threaded nut. The clamping member has a second clamping surface, and is free of a thread for engaging the thread on the tie rod. The threaded nut moves the clamping member relative to the sleeve and the tie rod, and moves the second clamping surface in sliding contact with the first clamping surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 15, 1994
    Assignee: TRW Inc.
    Inventor: Ruey E. Wood
  • Patent number: 5215167
    Abstract: A brake adjustment mechanism is provided for a bicycle wheel to allow cantilevered bicycle brakes to be adjusted quickly and easily and without the application of the brakes to the bicycle wheel. The brake adjustment mechanism employs a cable yoke which has a body adapted for connection to the flexible brake cable of a conventional cantilevered bicycle brake. The yoke has a pair of projecting supports that extend outwardly from opposite sides of a yoke body and toward opposite sides of the bicycle wheel. A separate socket is carried by each of the projecting supports. The sockets are movable in rotation relative to the yoke and each socket has a tapped opening facing a separate one of the bicycle brake lever arms. A pair of elongated rigid rods are each secured at one end to separate ones of the bicycle brake lever arms. Both of the elongated rods have externally threaded ends which are threadably engaged in separate ones of the tapped openings of the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Bear Corporation
    Inventor: Rodney R. Davidson